Did you know that one fracture due to osteoporosis occurs every three seconds? Also, after 50 years of age, one in three women and one in five men will suffer a fracture in their remaining lifetime. This risk is even greater than developing breast or prostate cancer.

Osteoporosis has been recognized as a serious condition and that there is a need for effective ways to prevent, delay, minimize or reverse the changes that occur. So in 1998, the second week of October was proclaimed by then President Joseph Estrada as National Osteoporosis Awareness Week. Also, 20 October is also designated as World Osteoporosis Day.

Osteoporosis means "porous bone," where normally compact bone becomes weaker and more likely to fracture. Osteoporosis is described as a silent disease because you cannot feel your bones weaken, and you may only get diagnosed after you have already fractured.

If fractures occur easily, such as from tripping or falling from a standing height, osteoporosis should be suspected. Although falls are the most common cause, fractures can also be caused by milder forms of trauma — bending over, sudden twisting of the torso or even just forceful coughing.

While osteoporosis is diagnosed more frequently in older post-menopausal women, it is not a given that every woman who undergoes menopause will develop osteoporosis. It can also occur at a younger age and in men as well.

After a fracture, bones may heal, but complications can occur and 20 percent of patients can die within the year after a major fracture like a hip fracture. A fracture may also result in temporary or permanent loss of mobility. About 50 percent of people with one osteoporotic fracture will have another, with the risk of new fractures rising exponentially with each fracture.